Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso delivers update on Trent Alexander-Arnold injury

Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has delivered an update on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury after the right back limped out of their 2-1 Champions League win over Marseille inside the first five minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night.

His replacement, Dani Carvajal, later received his matching orders in the 72nd minute for headbutting Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.

Alexander-Arnold returned to Madrid’s starting lineup after being benched against Real Sociedad last weekend.

However, the former Liverpool star’s Champions League debut for his new club was cut short after less than five minutes due to a suspected hamstring injury, forcing him off the pitch.

Despite an early setback and Carvajal’s red card, Los Blancos mounted a comeback to clinch victory, driven by Kylian Mbappé’s two penalties, overcoming an early lead from USMNT star Timothy Weah for Marseille.

After the game, the Real Madrid boss provided an update on the defender’s injury status, as the Spaniard said:

“We’ll wait a bit; maybe it’s not as bad as it seems. We have to be creative in finding solutions. [Raul] Asencio came in well. [Eduardo] Camavinga and Jude [Bellingham] are back and will be able to play on Saturday.”

Alexander-Arnold is likely to be on the sidelines for two months after fresh reports indicate the severity of the injury.

The 26-year-old has been diagnosed with a hamstring injury, casting significant doubt over his availability for an emotional return to Anfield when Madrid face Liverpool in the Champions League on November 4.

The Madrid star is likely to miss the season’s first El Clásico against arch rivals Barcelona on the weekend of October 26, as well as the upcoming England national team camp, dealing a big blow to his World Cup aspirations.

Alexander-Arnold has endured a challenging start to life at the Bernabeu, starting only two La Liga matches and sharing right-back duties with Carvajal.

Real Madrid said in a statement: “Following tests carried out today by the Real Madrid medical services on our player, Trent Alexander-Arnold, he has been diagnosed with a muscle injury to the biceps femoris in his left leg. Further updates will follow.”

Meanwhile, Carvajal will hope to continue his stellar start to the Liga season at right back for the league leaders as they prepare to host Espanyol on Saturday.